Effects of Computer Algebra Systems on Concept and Skill Acquisition in Calculus

Abstract

This study involving 78 subjects compared the performance of university students taught calculus using a computer algebra system to the performance of students using paper-and-pencil computations. Students who were taught calculus using a computer algebra system had higher scores on a test of conceptual knowledge of calculus than the students taught by traditional methods. Students in the computer class also had higher scores on a calculus computational exam using the computer algebra system than students in the traditional class using paper and pencil.